Question 1

what would symptoms be if i had advanced pancreatic cancer in the tail and is it possible to feel the tumor in the llq of my back?

Accepted Answer

Upper GI bleed: Tail of pancreas cancers rarely cause pain.  Rather as they grow they obstruct the venous output from the spleen from blood feeding the spleen via the splenic artery.  The spleen output is shifted to the vasa brevia of the greater curvature of the stomach where varices are formed and GI bleeding follows.  Spread to other sites also noted early ie. liver.

Question 2

i have a precancerous pancreatic cyst in the head portion.  there is a history of pancreatic cancer in my family.  what should my next step be?

Accepted Answer

Consult with: a gastroenterologist and surgical oncologist for their opinions.

Question 3

diagnosed with stage 1 pancreatic cancer in the head of the pancreas, i don't want surgery or chemotherapy how long will i live?

Accepted Answer

Untreated, 1-2 years: Pancreatic cancer can only be staged after surgery- information provided by a pathologist is necessary to assign a stage. If you have what appears to be early stage pancreatic cancer it would be foolish not to seek treatment since surgery can cure up to 40% of cases, and while big surgery, the risk is low (around 1%). Depending on pathology findings postop chemotherapy may provide added benefit.

Question 4

if pancreatic cancer in body or tail is causing symptoms, would it show up on a iv contrast ct scan?

Accepted Answer

Yes it would: CT scan of the abdomen is a reliable to test to check for Cancer of the Pancreas. So you do not have to think too much about this as a source of your symptoms. Go see a Gastroenterologist if symptoms persist for more than a week or two.

Question 5

my dad is using snus (also called snuff) its tobacco under the lip. im worried that he will develope pancreatic cancer , is this possible to answer?

Accepted Answer

Snuff does cause ca.: Snuff or any form of cmokeless tobacco does cause cancers of the lip, mouth, and tongue.  I don't think it will cause pancreatic cancer, but it would be best if he would stop.

Question 6

i have pancreatic cancer, cll, skin cancer and. had colon cancer. i have been itchy for the past few days should i go to my doctor?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Itching of the skin may represent retained bile salts caused by blockage of the common bile duct. An evaluation by your doctor is advisable. Thanks for trusting HealthTap!

Question 7

hi, this is probably me being over concerned but recently i've noticed 2 or 3 yellow patches of skin on my legs and its making me nervous. liver failure but i don't drink excessively. pancreatic cancer? should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

See your doc: It's tough to diagnose skin problems with words... it's best to see them in person.  Is there a chance that these are areas where you could have bruises?  Bruises can appear yellow.  Hope this helps!

Question 8

age 19.mrcp shows pancreatic duct head body tail dilated,abrupt cut in head region,branches & tail narrowing,duct 6mm.doc on this site said hve cancer?

Accepted Answer

Possible: (MRCP) an exam uses magnetic resonance imaging to visualize the biliary and pancreatic ducts in a non-invasive manner. It is used to determine if gallstones are lodged in any of the ducts. If narrowing of the duct in the head is present one can suspect an intraductal lesion which has not yet converted to invasiveness and produced painless jaundice of pancreatic Ca. Duct brushings by ERCP needed.

Question 9

what can cause pancreatic cancer?

Accepted Answer

Probable viral: Pancreas cancer starts out as an intraductal lesion similar to breast DTIC (dacarbazine).  It smolders within the ductal system for 15-20 yrs before first signs of ductal wall invasion to become an early pancreatic carcinoma.  The TAA that are expressed early are oncofetal in origin and are suppressed at birth to reappear in the tumor as the oncogenic protein. Transformation probably viral induced.

Question 10

how can i survive pancreatic cancer?

Accepted Answer

Clinical trial: I would suggest that you consider a clinical trial. Find a national cancer institute designated cancer center near you (www.Cancer.Gov) and consider enrolling in a clinical trial.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Pancreatic cancer head vs tail

A member asked:

What would symptoms be if i had advanced pancreatic cancer in the tail and is it possible to feel the tumor in the llq of my back?

A member asked:

I have a precancerous pancreatic cyst in the head portion. there is a history of pancreatic cancer in my family. what should my next step be?

A member asked:

Diagnosed with stage 1 pancreatic cancer in the head of the pancreas, i don't want surgery or chemotherapy how long will i live?

A member asked:

If pancreatic cancer in body or tail is causing symptoms, would it show up on a iv contrast ct scan?

A member asked:

My dad is using snus (also called snuff) its tobacco under the lip. im worried that he will develope pancreatic cancer , is this possible to answer?

A member asked:

I have pancreatic cancer, cll, skin cancer and. had colon cancer. i have been itchy for the past few days should i go to my doctor?

A member asked:

Hi, this is probably me being over concerned but recently i've noticed 2 or 3 yellow patches of skin on my legs and its making me nervous. liver failure but i don't drink excessively. pancreatic cancer? should i be worried?

A member asked:

Age 19.mrcp shows pancreatic duct head body tail dilated,abrupt cut in head region,branches & tail narrowing,duct 6mm.doc on this site said hve cancer?

A member asked:

What can cause pancreatic cancer?

A member asked:

How can i survive pancreatic cancer?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?